2012 iMac Stock Is “Significantly” Constrained, Says Apple’s CEO

Apple’s 2012 all-in-one Mac to come in limited quantities, according to Tim Cook

CEO Tim Cook confirmed during yesterday’s earnings disclosures that iMac stock is heavily constrained at the moment, mainly because the iMac line is currently in transition. In short, the new razor-blade design is at fault.

Although Apple’s October 23 event was geared towards the iPad mini launch, the 2012 iMac announcement drew just as much awe from the public, if not more.

And it’s really no surprise, considering the killer design of the all-in-one Mac. Apple even posted an image on its website to show the various transitions the iMac has gone through since 1998 to this day.

It’s really amazing how much performance can be crammed in that thin aluminum chassis, not to mention the stunning look.

And because the iMac is going through another transitioning phase, Tim Cook cautions that initial supplies will be constrained. The first computers will ship in November – the 21.5-inch models – followed by a second batch in December – the 27-inchers.

Asked whether any of Apple’s products were experiencing shortages in supply, Cook told analysts at the company’s Q4 – 2012 earnings call that the iMac will be “constrained in a significant way.”

The CEO specifically mentioned the transition hurdles as the main culprit, adding that Apple expects significant demand for the machines, which will further strain the manufacturing and shipping process.

On the marketing pages on Apple.com, the Cupertino giant says it has redesigned its iMac line from the inside out, packing high-performance technology into an aluminum and glass enclosure that sheds 40 percent of the volume previously required to cram all the electronics inside.

The computer’s edges are notably thin, measuring just 5 millimeters, or 0.2 inches.

The display has also been tweaked to reduce reflection by 75 percent. Apple also touts brilliant color and contrast for the computer’s screen.

And each display is individually color-calibrated using an advanced spectroradiometer, Apple says.